"R" Crazy Re-Fined Life

I love being on vacation, but with all that we have going on at home, I am missing home. Home is where my husband is right now too. It may be mushy but, when we are apart, I always feel unbalanced a bit. I think this week it may be a little worse since I just recently finished a week-long business trip in Atlanta right before we left for Puerto Rico.

I am however enjoying the time with my family. As we walked around Old San Juan yesterday looking at all of the architecture, my creativity motor started revving up. The colors of the buildings are inspirational right now while I am still in the mode of picking out paint colors for the "The Suite."

For the walls, we will be going for more neutral paint colors than the vibrant pinks and blues of the Caribbean. I will be getting color pops from rugs and pillows for the sofa. In a small space like this, the subtle pops will be enough.

Sherwin-Williams is our go-to paint choice. We have tried lots of brands in the past, but none compare. They also have great monthly sales, like right now it's 30% off until July 9th. We use the Cashmere line. It is like an eggshell in traditional paint language, has a nice finish texture, coats well, wears nice and is easy to clean.

I also love their Pro Series trim paint and ceiling paint, because they always make the wall color pop. The trim paint has a gloss finish that highlights the painted walls. We never paint walls without taking the time to paint the trim and ceiling too.

Right now the contenders for us fall somewhere between Dorian, Mindful or Repose Gray. These are all near the perfect greige color, and they pair nicely with other gray colors. When picking the color, we will be comparing it against the kitchen cabinets and the flooring. Again, being that it is an apartment we will keep the same color throughout. It will also probably be the color that Dakota will use throughout all of the units. It will be important to get it right.

I have also been looking at temporary wallpaper to add another element of texture, and that might make an appearance. I will keep you posted on that.

Borrowing a line from Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor, "Why, then, the world's mine oyster, Which I with sword will open.' Act II, Scene II."

I love this line. It's the perfect way to describe how we are starting to live small. Admittedly, we have a long way to go and lots of work ahead of us, but we know what is waiting for us at the end. FREEDOM.

The question that I get the most when asked about our plans is "Aren't you going to miss your views?". Especially ones like this, in a photo that Dan took just the other morning.

I must be honest and answer YES. The part that saddens me is that even though we had it, we never really got to enjoy it. Our life has always been full, and it was too much for us to keep up with on a daily basis.

So in looking at our life as an Oyster, we have so many backyards that we can go and visit. Relax, unwind, enjoy and the real beauty is that we do not even have to maintain them. So we will wield our sword through life, enjoying the views that are around us, because they are vast and many.

We can do this without the drudgery of having to go home and mow the lawn or clean the garage because there will be none.

This week's view is from Puerto Rico. I traveled down here with my Mom to help bring my daughter-in-law Janna, and granddaughter, Adeline, home. This our son, Dakota's last duty station. While Dan and Zack stay home and tend the shop, we are out doing a little adventuring in a place that we as a family have enjoyed these past three years. Getting to show my Mom the beauty that this island has to offer is fun, as well as sharing with all of you.

With Dakota and Janna living here, they have first hand got to experience the island as natives. They have shared with us some breathtaking views and beaches, along with food and drink worthy of one's palate.

Yesterday's adventure was an adventure in just getting there. Evidenced in this picture of Dakota's truck and a ride that Adeline and Great Grandma enjoyed.

​Then all of a sudden we were immersed in a postcard beach scene. With this, I leave you with a few photos of our secret backyard for the day.

​Enjoy! I promise to share more this week of our time here in Puerto Rico.

Authors

Hello there! We are Daniel & Amy Smith of Triple "R" Creations. Together we are creating a crazy re-fined life, be it re-creating, re-modeling, traveling, enjoying fine food or just enjoying life with our family and friends. All from our crazy cottage by the pond along the banks of the Muskingum River, in Southeastern Ohio. Come in sit a spell and read all about our latest adventure.